You're a consultant in the music industry. How do you keep up with the latest trends?

Music professionals today need to specialize in Cool Hunting, which involves identifying and predicting cultural and consumption trends. With technological evolution, it's essential to understand changes in music consumption, such as streaming platforms and social media. This specialization allows for anticipating trends, identifying new talents, and adapting to the ever-changing market, helping drive the music industry forward.

Following and subscribing to networks and channels of major record labels and managers is a great way to stay updated with the latest in the music industry. Major record labels and managers often have privileged access to information about releases, new talents, and emerging trends. By following these networks and channels, music professionals can stay updated on the latest releases, events, and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, being connected to these sources can open doors for networking and partnerships within the industry.

Experimenting with cutting-edge tools and music-streaming solutions isn't just a choice; it's a strategic imperative. As a business owner in the realm of music streaming, embracing technology isn't just a strategy—it's our DNA. Staying ahead means more than tracking trends; it's about actively experimenting with the latest innovations. By integrating artificial intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality, and spatial audio into our services, we don't just adapt to the industry's evolution; we drive it. Our consultancy is a dynamic journey, continually improving, shaping trends, and offering clients a forward-thinking approach that sets them apart. Let's pioneer the future of music together!

My feeling is that you can read as much online as you can, you can analyse data and trends but the #1 source of knowledge for me is analogue. It’s about meeting people on a daily / weekly basis and spending more time listening than talking. That’s it! I find that even when being paid, working as a consultant to fix business issues, I find myself learning whilst ‘on the job’. Being surrounded by a diverse mix of people from a variety of backgrounds and business sectors is the name of the game. That’s my advice. Hope it’s helpful to someone out there. Do let me know….

In addition to following networks and channels of major record labels and managers, there are other relevant strategies for keeping up with music trends. Attending music industry fairs and events is an effective way to stay updated. Fairs like MIDEM and SXSW offer valuable insights into emerging trends and networking opportunities. Another strategy is to pay attention to streaming and sales charts, such as the Billboard Hot 100 and Spotify Charts, which reflect what's trending at the moment. Additionally, following specialized blogs and websites, such as Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, can provide in-depth insights into new releases and movements in the industry.